Home Again (day 29)

9/26/2010 Who would have thought that it would take me a 3-month period to follow through with my goal of 30 days of writing but it has ... and I am totally OK with this, today, being day 29!

I have been home since Monday, December 13 but am just now sitting down to blog for the first time. The trip to Liberia was amazing! For now I would like to share just two quick stories to go with the above pictures in this post ....

On the 3rd and 4th day in country the team from New Hope Church facilitated a conference on Reconciliation and Evangelism. I was a facilitator for 2 of the workshops on Evangelism. The first conference day there was a women named Rebecca who participated in the one of the workshops I presented. At the end of the workshop I told of how I had come to Christ in January of 1977. I gave everyone an opportunity to pray to receive Christ. After the workshop was over Rebecca came and asked me for my mailing information and said that she had received Christ that day! I was thrilled but of course God was more thrilled. This past Monday I sent a Bible to Rebecca and to another individual who received Christ! I will now continue to pray for Rebecca and for her growth in Christ.

On one of our final days we traveled to one of the villages where we gave out the gifts provided by the kids from the NHC children's prayer team, Hopewatchers. The gifts were school supplies. Pictured here is one of the girls using a crayon for the first time. Each child was given one crayon from the box of 24 crayons. What wonder to see and appreciate this act of giving from the kids in MN to the kids in Liberia. As a teacher this was especially meaningful as many of these children did not have school supplies or even know how to use them. So many things we just take for granted in the United States!

I am every so grateful to each of you who "gave and sent" me to Liberia to be the hands and feet of Christ.

We make a great team! In His Arms, Beth

That's me in the middle back row!


My Joys this weekend were the gift of the word which gave the Hope of the Gospel as presented in John 3 delivered by Pastor Jeremy Deck, it was a word quoted from Genesis 50:19-21 from a former HopeWatchers, now leader on the Children’s Prayer team, it was the hugs from family and friends and most important it was the prayers of each of You! Thank you ….

Now in just 5 short days I leave for Liberia to “Share the Hope of Christ” to the people.

Would you pray for 3 things that are on my mind and heart …

The emotions that are rising and falling
The great need for Christ both here and abroad
Full team financial support (my personal support need is $470.00)

You may follow us at our blog

http://newhopeforliberia2010.blogspot.com/

In His Arms,
Beth


"I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need."
C.H. Spurgeon

Day 28 with gratitude!

Sometimes I am dependent on other's word of encouragement and prayer to lift me towards gratitude. Today in my in box I found this attachment of
A Psalm of Gratitude from a dear friend and ministry partner ....

I thought it worthy to share as it blessed me and hopefully will bless you as you think on the many ways you are thankful during this season of Thanksgiving!

A PSALM OF GRATITUDE
AND CHANGE OF ATTITUDE
by Elaine Tietz

Christ Jesus my Lord
Center of all the universe
totally God, eternal
became one of the created
bound by a human body
living the life of a servant.

My heart is full of gratitude
Jesus change my attitude
to be the same as Yours.

Christ Jesus my Savior
Redeemer of all that is dead
Redeemer of all that is lost
Redeemer of all that is forgotten
by humbling Yourself in obedience
that led to Your death on a cross.

My heart is full of gratitude
Jesus change my attitude
to be the same as Yours.

Christ Jesus my Shepherd
giving Your life for the sheep
for the joy set before You—
to sit at the right hand of Your Father
to see multitudes receive salvation
to have Your blood be the cleansing flood.

My heart is full of gratitude
Jesus change my attitude
to be the same as Yours.

Christ Jesus, Faithful Son of God
suffering as an example to us
having grace toward Your tormentors
entrusting Yourself to Your Father
healing us with Your wounds
the Overseer of our souls.

My heart is full of gratitude
Jesus change my attitude
to be the same as Yours.

Christ Jesus, Alpha and Omega
Son of God, holy and true
the Amen, ruler of all creation
sitting on Your throne in splendor
all of heaven singing Your praises
the Lamb of God reigning in glory.

Overflowing gratitude
open to Your magnitude
take me, I am Yours.

Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 12:2; 1 Peter 2:20-25; Revelation 2:1-3


Continuing to count my 1000 gifts ...

172. family

173. friends

174. gifts for the Liberians

175. packing the suitcase to 50 # for Liberia and having leftovers gifts of crayons, pencils, notebooks and more because of the gift of giving from the 4-6th grader prayer team members!

176. Just 5 days until the team leaves for Liberia

177. He is my refuge

178. He is my comforter

179. He is my grief bearer

180. He is my rest

Day 27 Thank God for Praying Friends

Today is day 27 in my 30 days of writing goal. When I started my 30 days I fulled intended to complete this in 30 consecutive days but looking back I am thankful for the fact that I am doing what I love writing. Today, even though I like and have a passion to write I have been encouraged by the writings of my friends! I am ever so grateful that I can request pray from friends by e-mail push the send button and receive all of these words of encouragement in my in box, minutes, hours, and even days after the news of my nephews death. Thank you my friends for your words that have spoken to my heart during this time of loss!

I know the pain and shock of loss. Father, please give her peace in the midst of all of the trouble. Please give her grace to make it through this day. Please let your hand of comfort and love be on the entire family. Jesus, please draw near. Amen.
Andrea

Father God, once again we are reminded of what a fallen world we live in. But, You in Your grace and mercy has overcome the world and conquered death. I pray that as the Almighty, You would use this tragic situation for Your glory and Diane’s good. Thank you for Beth. I pray that she will be a great comfort to her sister. In Jesus Name Amen.
Becky

Oh, my dear Beth,
Just came back to the office to shut down for a few hours. And here you are. With your tremendously heavy heart due to this tragic news. Sorry isn't sufficient. Simply don't have words. Do know, Beth, that I'm praying for you, Diane, and everyone in your family. I'll be focusing prayer on her grief and your grief. I'm just so, so very sorry, Beth.
Love you,
Mary Beth

Oh friend,
I am so sorry for your loss! I can’t even imagine how heartbreaking that must be. My prayers go out to you and your family. Praying also that God will be able to use you in this time to shine His light through this darkness.
If I can help with anything, please let me know.
In His Grip,
Holly

Beth,
I just got the message concerning your sister Diane. I am so very sorry to hear this and have no words for you but will surely uphold you in prayer as you seek to love her. I will also pray for her as she deals with God and what to do with this unbelievable hardship.
I hurt with you and her,
Sally

Oh Beth,
I am so sorry to read a message of such terrible news...praying for Diane and the rest of your family...
Karen

Dear Beth:
Our hearts go out to you and your sister Diane. May the GREAT COMFORTER,
wrap you and your family in HIS ARMS, provide you with HIS LOVE, and HIS
COMFORT in this very difficult time of mourning for John. We know that
GOD is in control and HE will show grace and mercy for you to accept that
which you cannot change.

May God grant you inner peace and strength!!

Please let us know how we can help.

With love,

Wilhelmina and Burleigh


As a good friend reminded me it may be a long road ahead with waves of grief coming at various times. Remaining In His Arms and allowing him to hold me during this time of grief, B.

Day 26 Gratitude for Family and Friends and Honoring my Sister today!

Beth, Pat, Diane, Mary Catherine, Tom
(those who have gone to be with the Lord are my older brothers, Johnny, Mike and Rick)

My plan was to get back on track with linking to the gratitude pages at Holy Experience so having said that today I am grateful for ....

166. family

167. friends

168. His Word

169. Prayer

170. journals to express struggles, hopes, and dreams

below is the entry from my journal dated December 17, 1989 ...

No entry on December 15th but this is the day Catherine's life ended Lord You are the same today, yesterday and forever. Thank you for this. Lord, I have so many requests where to start ... Today will be a hard day ... tomorrow will be a hard day too. Today is the visitation for Catherine. Give Diane, Tim, John and Ken a special strength today and tomorrow. Lord, its hard to see your purpose in Catherine's death. Give Diane a peace she has never had over this loss. Help me to be aware of opportunities to share Jesus with her as I support her in the months to come.

Now today this is the day Catherine's brother John's life ended.

Who ever would have imagined I would be praying this same prayer 20 years and 11 months later as Diane has now lost her only son. Again Lord it's hard to see your purpose so would you yet one more time be Diane, Tim and Ken's peace giver!

Honoring Diane ... she is my older sister and she has always looked out after me. She was an amazing mother to my niece Catherine who was born with Rhett's Syndrome and died when she was just 10 years old. She was also mother to my nephew who struggled with mental illness which has a long history in our family. Today she cries at the loss of her son at the age of 32. I love you Diane and my heart hurts for you more than you can know ... I am praying for comfort for you today and in the months ahead.

I love you so much! B.

Day 25 This is actually why I love living in Minnesota!

Plan A for today in my mind went something like this
get up
sort Laundry
eat breakfast
pack bag for Sati class
drive to class, especially today for 2 important reasons. The Star and Tribune was coming to write an article about Lisa's class and 5 weeks ago I tore ligaments in my ankle and I was pumped and ready to be back in class for the first time in 5 weeks!

Oh how my plan changed, as I got in my car early, because of the snow, to drive to Richfield. I got as far as over the railroad tracks and called Lisa. I told her I was going to try to make it but the driving was not so good .... she said, "Mom it's OK for you not to come. Do not drive if it is stressful and dangerous." (love that my kids always stand ready to think about what is best for me, Thanks Lisa!)

Well I have to say that I heeded her advice, and as much as I wanted to be in class today I choose plan B.

Plan B actually went like this
get up
sort Laundry
eat breakfast
pack bag for Sati class
drive
call Lisa
drive to Cub to get postcard stamps
drive to Caribou to get a Vanilla White Chocolate Mocha (with my gift card from Angie)
drive home
dress warm
get on snowshoes
go snowshoeing down towards 3 ponds park and back

All of the words of this post are significant for the a couple of reasons .... When one is listening to the heart and soul of our being we tend to be more obedient to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Also, the fact that I had MS for 12 years and had an injury to the right ankle just 5 weeks ago, yet took a walk in the snow enjoying the beauty of His creation is worth the change to Plan B. My ways are not His ways ....

In His Arms, B.

Day 24 Surprise for Annika

If you know my family you know how much they like to surprise and be surprised ... with that said this post is for the purpose of letting others know that I have a surprise for Annika!

You see bumpa, Kelley and Kids, and Adam are headed to TX this weekend and I have a surprise I am sending along with them for Annika! They are actually headed to TX to celebrate Eden's first birthday but because I am headed to Liberia in less than 3 weeks I am not going. :-(
But my surprise will be going to Annika even though it is Eden's birhtday.

Not to worry Carrie, I am sending something for Eden's birthday too. Can't wait to surprise all of you.

Day 23 words of the song from The Father's Love Letter that moves me to serve in Liberia

My child
You may not know me, but I know everything about you.
I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
I am familiar with all your ways.
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
For you were made in my image.
In me you live and move and have your being.
For you are my offspring.
I knew you even before you were conceived.
I chose you when I planned creation.
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book.
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live.
You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
I knit you together in your mother's womb.
And brought you forth on the day you were born.
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me.
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love.
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
Simply because you are my child and I am your Father.
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
For I am the perfect father.
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Because I love you with an everlasting love.
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore.
And I rejoice over you with singing.
I will never stop doing good to you.
For you are my treasured possession.
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul.
And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me.
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart.
For it is I who gave you those desires.
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine.
For I am your greatest encourager.
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles.
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you.
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart.
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes.
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth.
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus.
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
He is the exact representation of my being.
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you.
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you.
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love.
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me.
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again.
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen.
I have always been Father, and will always be Father.
My question is…Will you be my child?
I am waiting for you.
Love, Your Dad. Almight God.


Please pray with me (us) as the team is half way to full financial Support and we leave in just 18 days!

Father, please help us as a team to develop a heart for missions, a desire to see your glory declared among the nations, your marvelous deeds among all peoples.

Psalm 96:3

Remaining In His Arms, B.

Day 22 Too Tired

Let's just say I got so much done on my "do it now" list that I am too tired to write about it .... therefore I leave you with this quote ....

"Do it today so as not to suffer a regret tomorrow". --- Pat Croce

Day 21 Friday, Family, Fun Night and a Week in Review

My latest journaling has produced a number of lists so in honor of my new
Do It Now journal I will create a list of a week in review ....

Sunday we found our selves celebrating with Sid and Pru at the Oct 31st gathering at our church.

Monday it was time for chai at Starbucks with Ashley.

Tuesday it was time for coffee at Caribou with Kaye.

Wednesday time for chai once again from Starbucks with my friend Angie Hanson as we looked at the new creative memories catalog.

Thursday time for dinner with my dear friends from Edinbrook Elementary.

Friday morning yep, for sure, you betcha it was time for
rooibos tea at Caribou to celebrate my other good friend Angie and her birthday.

And Friday, Family, Fun night was pizza, family, grand kids and a Happy Birthday song from the whole crew to me ... I am so excited that I received exactly what I wanted!

Because there is officially one more day in the week of 7 days be sure and stop back tomorrow for the end of list #1 and another extraordinary list # 2.